Breast arterial calcifications (BAC), identified through routine mammograms, may serve as an early indicator of increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events and risk factors, according to a study presented at the Menopause Society's annual meeting, held from September 10 to 14 in Chicago.

Led by Schyler Said from Drexel University in Philadelphia, the study examined the long-term relationship between BAC and ASCVD. The analysis included 1,995 women at the start of the study, with follow-up data available for 383 participants after 18 years. The study aimed to assess whether the presence of BAC on mammography could predict cardiovascular events and risk factors over time.

The findings revealed a significant association between BAC and the development of ASCVD events among participants, regardless of whether they had known cardiovascular risk factors at baseline. Over the 18-year follow-up, 23% of women with BAC experienced ASCVD events compared to 13.9% of women without BAC. Additionally, the presence of BAC was significantly linked to a reduced likelihood of remaining free from ASCVD risk factors in women who already had baseline risk factors.

“These results suggest that the identification of BAC on routine mammography may serve as a marker for increased ASCVD risk in women over time," the study authors noted. "The presence of BAC on a mammogram should be routinely reported.”

The research highlights the potential of BAC as a predictive tool for cardiovascular risk, particularly for postmenopausal women who undergo routine mammograms. Early identification of BAC could help guide preventive measures and improve cardiovascular outcomes, making it a crucial factor for physicians to consider in patient care.

The study emphasizes the importance of reporting BAC findings during routine mammography screenings, as it may provide valuable insights into long-term cardiovascular health.